FAA Solicits Integrator Proposals for ATC Modernization

The FAA took the next step toward its ambitious plans to move forward expeditiously on an air traffic control (ATC) system overhaul, formally releasing a request for solutions (RFS) for an integrator to manage the effort. Issued yesterday, the RFS gives a September 21 deadline for proposals. Contract award is anticipated to follow soon after that.

Release of the RFS follows a request for information on a potential integrator that was issued a few months ago as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA officials worked with various stakeholders to map out plans on how best to move forward.

Praising the release of the RFS, the Air Traffic Control Association noted the integrator would be responsible for coordinating and implementing activities surrounding the modernization of the ATC systems, services, and infrastructure.

The integrator would oversee the upgrade of facilities, acquisition and deployment of new technologies, and management of integration in concert with stakeholders. “The Integrator will play a central role in fulfilling the modernization initiative,” the RFS states. “This role is both technical (system integration) and managerial (risk, contracts, subcontractor coordination), and it represents a paradigm shift in how the FAA manages major infrastructure programs.”

“ATCA welcomes the FAA’s novel approach to the modernization of the air traffic control system outlined in the RFS,” said ATCA president and CEO Stephen Creamer. “This once-in-a-generation plan to upgrade the [ATC] system will be challenging, but the American public deserves a world-class air traffic control system. There is unprecedented support from all aviation stakeholders for this upgrade and investment.”